LAHAINA, Hawaii (AP) — The Lahaina fire caused about $3.2 billion in insured property losses, calculated Karen Clark &amp; Company, a prominent disaster and risk modeling company. That doesn’t count damage to property not insured.

The risk firm said more than 2,200 buildings were damaged or destroyed by fire with a total of more than 3,000 buildings damaged by fire or smoke or both. Because so many of the buildings were wood frame and older, the damage rates were higher than other fires, the firm said.

— What spurred the fires? Right now, it’s unclear; authorities say the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hawaii-wildfires-recovery-maui-lahaina-search-c3da091a10e7aaa69022f002d3e241b9">cause is under investigation</a>

— What is the status of the fires? The county says the fire in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfire-hawaii-lahaina-historic-kindom-capital-396463f6eba6580bfc80d75538b0adf3">centuries-old Lahaina</a>&nbsp;has been 85% contained, while another blaze known as the Upcountry fire has been around 60% contained

— How does the loss of life confirmed so far&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maui-deadliest-fires-us-history-507273968474a03bec332f42d10a018b">compare with other U.S. fires</a>? For now, it is the country’s deadliest fire in more than 100 years, with officials saying nearly 100 people are dead, but the governor says scores of more bodies could be found

— How are search efforts going? The police chief said Monday that crews using cadaver dogs have scoured about 32% of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hawaii-wildfires-recovery-maui-lahaina-search-photos-ec6e573ffb19e9fed9a8123878a09a5e">search area</a>, with just three bodies identified so far

— Why did the fire cause so much destruction so quickly? The governor says the flames on Maui were fueled by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hawaii-wildfires-climate-change-92c0930be7c28ec9ac71392a83c87582">dry grass</a>&nbsp;and propelled by strong winds from a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hawaii-wildfire-maui-dora-winds-ec23c16abfbeb6ba689f1a98263720db">passing hurricane</a>, and raced as fast as a mile (1.6 kilometers) every minute in one area

— Did emergency notification services work? Officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hawaii-lahaina-wildfire-warnings-sirens-chaos-f4bb9bb77c093ac8ff16440b54ade4a6">failed to activate sirens and instead relied on a series of sometimes confusing social media posts;</a>&nbsp;meanwhile, residents faced power and cellular outages

—&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hawaii-wildfires-maui-electricity-power-utilities-c46a106db3c5019ac835ddcb01fde25f">An electric utility is facing criticism</a>&nbsp;and a lawsuit for not shutting off the power amid high wind warnings and as dozens of poles began to topple; in what may have been one of multiple ignition sources, a video shows a cable dangling in a charred patch of grass, surrounded by flames

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692136293887.png" alt="The risk firm said more than 2,200 buildings were damaged or destroyed-photo FEMA" />
 <figcaption>The risk firm said more than 2,200 buildings were damaged or destroyed-photo FEMA</figcaption>
 </figure>LAHAINA, Hawaii (AP) — The Lahaina fire caused about $3.2 billion in insured property losses, calculated Karen Clark &amp; Company, a prominent disaster and risk modeling company. That doesn’t count damage to property not insured.The risk firm said more than 2,200 buildings were damaged or destroyed by fire with a total of more than 3,000 buildings damaged by fire or smoke or both. Because so many of the buildings were wood frame and older, the damage rates were higher than other fires, the firm said.WHAT TO KNOW — What spurred the fires? Right now, it’s unclear; authorities say the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hawaii-wildfires-recovery-maui-lahaina-search-c3da091a10e7aaa69022f002d3e241b9">cause is under investigation</a>— What is the status of the fires? The county says the fire in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfire-hawaii-lahaina-historic-kindom-capital-396463f6eba6580bfc80d75538b0adf3">centuries-old Lahaina</a>&nbsp;has been 85% contained, while another blaze known as the Upcountry fire has been around 60% contained— How does the loss of life confirmed so far&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maui-deadliest-fires-us-history-507273968474a03bec332f42d10a018b">compare with other U.S. fires</a>? For now, it is the country’s deadliest fire in more than 100 years, with officials saying nearly 100 people are dead, but the governor says scores of more bodies could be found— How are search efforts going? The police chief said Monday that crews using cadaver dogs have scoured about 32% of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hawaii-wildfires-recovery-maui-lahaina-search-photos-ec6e573ffb19e9fed9a8123878a09a5e">search area</a>, with just three bodies identified so far— Why did the fire cause so much destruction so quickly? The governor says the flames on Maui were fueled by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hawaii-wildfires-climate-change-92c0930be7c28ec9ac71392a83c87582">dry grass</a>&nbsp;and propelled by strong winds from a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hawaii-wildfire-maui-dora-winds-ec23c16abfbeb6ba689f1a98263720db">passing hurricane</a>, and raced as fast as a mile (1.6 kilometers) every minute in one area— Did emergency notification services work? Officials&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hawaii-lahaina-wildfire-warnings-sirens-chaos-f4bb9bb77c093ac8ff16440b54ade4a6">failed to activate sirens and instead relied on a series of sometimes confusing social media posts;</a>&nbsp;meanwhile, residents faced power and cellular outages—&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hawaii-wildfires-maui-electricity-power-utilities-c46a106db3c5019ac835ddcb01fde25f">An electric utility is facing criticism</a>&nbsp;and a lawsuit for not shutting off the power amid high wind warnings and as dozens of poles began to topple; in what may have been one of multiple ignition sources, a video shows a cable dangling in a charred patch of grass, surrounded by flames

Risk company: Hawaii fires caused $3.2 billion in insured property losses

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea asserted Wednesday that a U.S. soldier who bolted across the heavily armed Korean border last month did so after becoming disillusioned with the inequality of American society and racial discrimination in its Army.

It was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-us-soldier-travis-king-e16bea3ea33dfedbea61d1f65317be94">North Korea’s first official confirmation</a>&nbsp;of detention of Pvt. Travis King, who had served in South Korea and sprinted into the North while on a civilian tour of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-us-soldier-travis-king-tourist-witness-92f96befe0b2b8d2e7d016d645d21180">border village on July 18</a>. He became the first American confirmed to be detained in the North in nearly five years.

The official Korean Central News Agency, citing an investigation by relevant North Korean authorities, reported that King told them he decided to enter North Korea because he “harbored ill feelings against inhuman mistreatment and racial discrimination within the U.S. Army.”

The report said King also expressed his willingness to seek refuge in North Korea or a third country, saying he “was disillusioned at the unequal American society.”

KCNA is a propaganda outlet and its content is carefully calibrated to reflect North Korea’s official line that the United States is an evil adversary.

The report said North Korea’s investigation into King’s “illegal” entry would continue. Verifying the authenticity of the comments attributed to King in North Korea’s state media is impossible.

The United States, South Korea and others have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-us-soldier-travis-king-11a0429e279d498f8c3aa9c10f818b32">accused North Korea of using foreign detainees</a>&nbsp;to wrest diplomatic concessions. Some&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-past-border-entries-3b2e36d7cd162f8320768a049c50a361">foreign detainees</a>&nbsp;have said after their releases that their declarations of guilt while in North Korean custody were made under coercion.

A U.S. Defense Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, said the U.S. had no way to verify North Korea’s claims about King. The official said the Pentagon was working through all available channels to bring King back to the U.S.

“This is 100% North Korean propaganda in its element. King, as an American citizen held in North Korea, has no sway in how (North Korea) chooses to cast its narrative,” said Soo Kim, an expert with Virginia-based consultancy LMI and a former CIA analyst.

“As for King’s release, his fate rests in North Korea’s hands. Perhaps the regime will try to ‘bargain’ King’s life in exchange for financial concessions from the U.S. More than likely, negotiations won’t be easy, and terms will be dictated by Pyongyang,” she said.

The soldier’s family said his mother, Claudine Gates, is appealing to North Korea to treat her son humanely.

“She’s a mom worried about her son and would be grateful for a phone call from him,” family spokesman Jonathan Franks said in the statement. “Lastly, she has been in touch with the Army this evening and appreciates a (Defense Department) statement that it remains focused on bringing Travis home.”

Tae Yongho, who was a minister at the North Korean Embassy in London before his defection in 2016, speculated North Korea might release King eventually because it didn't immediately express its intentions of accepting King as refugee in the North and spoke about a third country resettlement. Tae, now a lawmaker in South Korea, also cited North Korea's description of King as an illegal entrant, rather than someone who “voluntarily” entered the North.

Tae earlier said North Korea would be reluctant to hold a low-ranked solider like King for long because he won’t provide it with high-profile U.S. intelligence and would require high costs and resources to manage his life.

Some analysts have said North Korea might try to tie King’s release to the U.S. cutting back its military activities with South Korea, amid heightened animosities between the wartime foes.

North Korea has conducted more than 100 weapons tests since the beginning of last year, many of them in the name of issuing warnings over the expansion of U.S.-South Korean military drills that it views as an invasion rehearsal. Next Monday, the allies are to begin major annual drills, which North Korea views as an invasion rehearsal.

The leaders of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-yoon-kishida-camp-david-missile-defense-f3ce58da383f2255ee479624645db542">U.S., South Korea and Japan</a>&nbsp;are also expected to announce plans for expanded military cooperation on ballistic missile defense in the face of North Korea’s evolving nuclear threats when they meet for a trilateral summit at Camp David on Friday, according to U.S. officials.

On Tuesday, North Korea slammed U.S.-led plans for an open&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/un-north-korea-human-rights-meeting-council-86af9a8632c6d85df3a7ed4c24daf8a7">U.N. Security Council</a>&nbsp;meeting on its human rights record as “despicable” and only aimed at achieving Washington’s geopolitical ambitions.

North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Kim Son Gyong said the council must first deal with the American human rights issue, calling the United States a depraved “empire of evils.” In a statement carried by state media, Kim accused the U.S. of fostering racial discrimination, gun-related crimes, child maltreatment and forced labor.

King, 23, was among about 28,000 U.S. troops stationed in South Korea as deterrence against potential aggression from North Korea. At the time he joined the civilian tour and crossed the border, he was supposed to b&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-us-soldier-travis-king-border-fe5da15f52122af9acc45412fe391465">e heading to Fort Bliss, Texas</a>, following his release from prison in South Korea on an assault conviction.

U.S. officials say he has been declared AWOL, which can be punished by confinement in the brig, forfeiture of pay or dishonorable discharge with the severity based on their time away and whether they were apprehended or returned on their own.

The U.S. and North Korea, which fought during the 1950-53 Korean War, are still technically at war since that conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty. They have no diplomatic ties and Sweden provided consular services for Americans in past cases, though Swedish diplomats reportedly have not returned to North Korea since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692140954260.png" alt="A TV screen shows a file image of American soldier Travis King during a news program at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, July 24, 2023. The deputy commander of the U.N. Command said Monday it has started conversations with North Korea over King who ran into the North last week across the Koreas' heavily armed border. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)" />
 <figcaption>A TV screen shows a file image of American soldier Travis King during a news program at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, July 24, 2023. The deputy commander of the U.N. Command said Monday it has started conversations with North Korea over King who ran into the North last week across the Koreas' heavily armed border. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)</figcaption>
 </figure>SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea asserted Wednesday that a U.S. soldier who bolted across the heavily armed Korean border last month did so after becoming disillusioned with the inequality of American society and racial discrimination in its Army.It was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-us-soldier-travis-king-e16bea3ea33dfedbea61d1f65317be94">North Korea’s first official confirmation</a>&nbsp;of detention of Pvt. Travis King, who had served in South Korea and sprinted into the North while on a civilian tour of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-us-soldier-travis-king-tourist-witness-92f96befe0b2b8d2e7d016d645d21180">border village on July 18</a>. He became the first American confirmed to be detained in the North in nearly five years.The official Korean Central News Agency, citing an investigation by relevant North Korean authorities, reported that King told them he decided to enter North Korea because he “harbored ill feelings against inhuman mistreatment and racial discrimination within the U.S. Army.”The report said King also expressed his willingness to seek refuge in North Korea or a third country, saying he “was disillusioned at the unequal American society.”KCNA is a propaganda outlet and its content is carefully calibrated to reflect North Korea’s official line that the United States is an evil adversary.The report said North Korea’s investigation into King’s “illegal” entry would continue. Verifying the authenticity of the comments attributed to King in North Korea’s state media is impossible.The United States, South Korea and others have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-us-soldier-travis-king-11a0429e279d498f8c3aa9c10f818b32">accused North Korea of using foreign detainees</a>&nbsp;to wrest diplomatic concessions. Some&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-past-border-entries-3b2e36d7cd162f8320768a049c50a361">foreign detainees</a>&nbsp;have said after their releases that their declarations of guilt while in North Korean custody were made under coercion.A U.S. Defense Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, said the U.S. had no way to verify North Korea’s claims about King. The official said the Pentagon was working through all available channels to bring King back to the U.S.“This is 100% North Korean propaganda in its element. King, as an American citizen held in North Korea, has no sway in how (North Korea) chooses to cast its narrative,” said Soo Kim, an expert with Virginia-based consultancy LMI and a former CIA analyst.“As for King’s release, his fate rests in North Korea’s hands. Perhaps the regime will try to ‘bargain’ King’s life in exchange for financial concessions from the U.S. More than likely, negotiations won’t be easy, and terms will be dictated by Pyongyang,” she said.The soldier’s family said his mother, Claudine Gates, is appealing to North Korea to treat her son humanely.“She’s a mom worried about her son and would be grateful for a phone call from him,” family spokesman Jonathan Franks said in the statement. “Lastly, she has been in touch with the Army this evening and appreciates a (Defense Department) statement that it remains focused on bringing Travis home.”Tae Yongho, who was a minister at the North Korean Embassy in London before his defection in 2016, speculated North Korea might release King eventually because it didn't immediately express its intentions of accepting King as refugee in the North and spoke about a third country resettlement. Tae, now a lawmaker in South Korea, also cited North Korea's description of King as an illegal entrant, rather than someone who “voluntarily” entered the North.Tae earlier said North Korea would be reluctant to hold a low-ranked solider like King for long because he won’t provide it with high-profile U.S. intelligence and would require high costs and resources to manage his life.Some analysts have said North Korea might try to tie King’s release to the U.S. cutting back its military activities with South Korea, amid heightened animosities between the wartime foes.North Korea has conducted more than 100 weapons tests since the beginning of last year, many of them in the name of issuing warnings over the expansion of U.S.-South Korean military drills that it views as an invasion rehearsal. Next Monday, the allies are to begin major annual drills, which North Korea views as an invasion rehearsal.The leaders of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-yoon-kishida-camp-david-missile-defense-f3ce58da383f2255ee479624645db542">U.S., South Korea and Japan</a>&nbsp;are also expected to announce plans for expanded military cooperation on ballistic missile defense in the face of North Korea’s evolving nuclear threats when they meet for a trilateral summit at Camp David on Friday, according to U.S. officials.On Tuesday, North Korea slammed U.S.-led plans for an open&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/un-north-korea-human-rights-meeting-council-86af9a8632c6d85df3a7ed4c24daf8a7">U.N. Security Council</a>&nbsp;meeting on its human rights record as “despicable” and only aimed at achieving Washington’s geopolitical ambitions.North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Kim Son Gyong said the council must first deal with the American human rights issue, calling the United States a depraved “empire of evils.” In a statement carried by state media, Kim accused the U.S. of fostering racial discrimination, gun-related crimes, child maltreatment and forced labor.King, 23, was among about 28,000 U.S. troops stationed in South Korea as deterrence against potential aggression from North Korea. At the time he joined the civilian tour and crossed the border, he was supposed to b&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-us-soldier-travis-king-border-fe5da15f52122af9acc45412fe391465">e heading to Fort Bliss, Texas</a>, following his release from prison in South Korea on an assault conviction.U.S. officials say he has been declared AWOL, which can be punished by confinement in the brig, forfeiture of pay or dishonorable discharge with the severity based on their time away and whether they were apprehended or returned on their own.The U.S. and North Korea, which fought during the 1950-53 Korean War, are still technically at war since that conflict ended in a truce, not a peace treaty. They have no diplomatic ties and Sweden provided consular services for Americans in past cases, though Swedish diplomats reportedly have not returned to North Korea since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.___

North Korea: US soldier fled because of racism in Army

LEBANON, Mo. (AP) — The Missouri Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld a state law criminalizing parents whose children miss school,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/file.jsp?id=198519">ruling against</a>&nbsp;two mothers charged in their young children's tardiness.

Prosecutors charged two moms from Lebanon, Missouri, with misdemeanors and the mothers then went to the state Supreme Court to challenge the law’s constitutionality.

One mother was sentenced to a week in county jail for her first-grade daughter’s nine unexcused absences in the 2021 school year. Another was sentenced to two years of probation for her kindergartener’s seven unexcused absences that year.

Missouri law requires K-12 students to attend school “on a regular basis.” A public defender for the mothers argued the law is unconstitutionally vague.

Supreme Court judges disagreed, ruling that regular attendance means going to school when it is in session.

Judges wrote that school officials can excuse an absence for mental or physical illness and opt not to report parents to prosecutors. Prosecutors, judges wrote, can choose not to charge parents in cases of “minor noncompliance.”

The mothers' public defender did not immediately return an Associated Press phone call Tuesday.

LEBANON, Mo. (AP) — The Missouri Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld a state law criminalizing parents whose children miss school,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.courts.mo.gov/file.jsp?id=198519">ruling against</a>&nbsp;two mothers charged in their young children's tardiness.Prosecutors charged two moms from Lebanon, Missouri, with misdemeanors and the mothers then went to the state Supreme Court to challenge the law’s constitutionality.One mother was sentenced to a week in county jail for her first-grade daughter’s nine unexcused absences in the 2021 school year. Another was sentenced to two years of probation for her kindergartener’s seven unexcused absences that year.Missouri law requires K-12 students to attend school “on a regular basis.” A public defender for the mothers argued the law is unconstitutionally vague.Supreme Court judges disagreed, ruling that regular attendance means going to school when it is in session.Judges wrote that school officials can excuse an absence for mental or physical illness and opt not to report parents to prosecutors. Prosecutors, judges wrote, can choose not to charge parents in cases of “minor noncompliance.”The mothers' public defender did not immediately return an Associated Press phone call Tuesday.

2 moms charged for children's school absences lose court battle

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on multiple allegations after she ran from a traffic stop.

Just before 3a.m. August 13,&nbsp;a deputy with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a red 2012 Chevrolet Equinox in the 2000 block of SE 11th Street for speeding, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. 

The driver later identified as 22-year-old Alyiah L. Love of Topeka failed to stop and quickly fled the vehicle on foot in the 1200 block of SE Republican Avenue.

After a search, a Topeka police officer located Love nearby and she was placed into custody. During the investigation, illegal narcotics were located.

Love was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges that include possession of a certain stimulant, possession of drug paraphernalia, interference with law enforcement, operating a motor vehicle without a valid license, operating a motor vehicle without registration, no vehicle liability insurance and speeding. She is no longer in custody.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692106657689.png" alt="Love-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Love-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on multiple allegations after she ran from a traffic stop.Just before 3a.m. August 13,&nbsp;a deputy with the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a red 2012 Chevrolet Equinox in the 2000 block of SE 11th Street for speeding, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. The driver later identified as 22-year-old Alyiah L. Love of Topeka failed to stop and quickly fled the vehicle on foot in the 1200 block of SE Republican Avenue.After a search, a Topeka police officer located Love nearby and she was placed into custody. During the investigation, illegal narcotics were located.Love was booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges that include possession of a certain stimulant, possession of drug paraphernalia, interference with law enforcement, operating a motor vehicle without a valid license, operating a motor vehicle without registration, no vehicle liability insurance and speeding. She is no longer in custody.

Kansas woman jailed after running from traffic stop

SEDGWICk COUNTY—A Kansas man accused in a violent, sword attack and later an attack on jail deputies entered a plea in the cases on Monday.

<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=448582">James E. Brown, 58</a>, pleaded guilty to attempted murder, animal cruelty and aggravated domestic battery charges for the sword incident, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office.

In March of 2021 police arrested Brown&nbsp; a verbal disturbance with his girlfriend that turned violent, according to police. He grabbed a five to six-foot sword during the disturbance, struck the 41-year-old woman multiple times and stabbed her dog multiple times.  Investigators also learned the woman had been strangled.&nbsp;She was taken to an area hospital for treatment of severe injuries 

On Sept. 8, 2021, two corporals and a deputy were escorting Brown to his cell at the Sedgwick County Detention Center when he produced a metal shank and swung it at the deputies, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick.

A struggle ensued between the deputies and Brown in an effort to control the metal shank and end the assault. Once Brown was restrained, he was evaluated by clinic staff and transported to the hospital for treatment.

Brown was later returned to the Detention Facility. Two of the deputies involved sustained injuries to their hands, according to Blick. On Monday, Brown&nbsp; pled guilty to aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, criminal threat and traffic in contraband in a correctional institution, according to the district attorney's office.

Brown&nbsp; is schedled for sentencing in October.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614859032817.png" alt="Brown-photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Brown-photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICk COUNTY—A Kansas man accused in a violent, sword attack and later an attack on jail deputies entered a plea in the cases on Monday.<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/InmateSearch/Details.aspx?Id=448582">James E. Brown, 58</a>, pleaded guilty to attempted murder, animal cruelty and aggravated domestic battery charges for the sword incident, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office.In March of 2021 police arrested Brown&nbsp; a verbal disturbance with his girlfriend that turned violent, according to police. He grabbed a five to six-foot sword during the disturbance, struck the 41-year-old woman multiple times and stabbed her dog multiple times. Investigators also learned the woman had been strangled.&nbsp;She was taken to an area hospital for treatment of severe injuries On Sept. 8, 2021, two corporals and a deputy were escorting Brown to his cell at the Sedgwick County Detention Center when he produced a metal shank and swung it at the deputies, according to Lt. Benjamin Blick.A struggle ensued between the deputies and Brown in an effort to control the metal shank and end the assault. Once Brown was restrained, he was evaluated by clinic staff and transported to the hospital for treatment.Brown was later returned to the Detention Facility. Two of the deputies involved sustained injuries to their hands, according to Blick. On Monday, Brown&nbsp; pled guilty to aggravated assault of a law enforcement officer, criminal threat and traffic in contraband in a correctional institution, according to the district attorney's office.Brown&nbsp; is schedled for sentencing in October.

Kan. man admits guilt in sword attack on girlfriend, her dog 

On Monday morning Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said two individuals were arrested for assisting in an inmate's plot to escape the Saline County Jail.

On Friday shortly after 5 p.m. Sheriff's Deputies executed a search warrant at a residence located at 757 Sheridan Street in Salina. Deputies located the occupant of the home, Thomas Golde III of Salina.&nbsp;

Sheriff Soldan said Golde conspired to allow the escape of Saline County inmate Johnathon Mullen, 37 of Salina.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We got information that Golde and one other person were planning to try and get him [Mullen] out of our custody when we took him to court. Possibly by force. " Soldan said.&nbsp;

Golde was arrested on conspiracy to commit aggravated escape and solicitation.&nbsp;

Mullen received additional charges including conspiracy to commit aggravated escape and solicitation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Sheriff Soldan says the investigation is ongoing and more arrests are anticipated.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684238646993.jpeg" alt="&nbsp;According to information from the Salina Police Department, Jonathon Mullen, 36, of Salina, faces a charge of first degree murder" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;According to information from the Salina Police Department, Jonathon Mullen, 36, of Salina, faces a charge of first degree murder</figcaption>
 </figure>By NATE KING Salina PostOn Monday morning Saline County Sheriff Roger Soldan said two individuals were arrested for assisting in an inmate's plot to escape the Saline County Jail.On Friday shortly after 5 p.m. Sheriff's Deputies executed a search warrant at a residence located at 757 Sheridan Street in Salina. Deputies located the occupant of the home, Thomas Golde III of Salina.&nbsp;Sheriff Soldan said Golde conspired to allow the escape of Saline County inmate Johnathon Mullen, 37 of Salina.&nbsp;&nbsp;"We got information that Golde and one other person were planning to try and get him [Mullen] out of our custody when we took him to court. Possibly by force. " Soldan said.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1691761644815.jpeg" alt="Thomas Lee-Arthur Golde-photo Saline Co." />
 <figcaption>Thomas Lee-Arthur Golde-photo Saline Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Golde was arrested on conspiracy to commit aggravated escape and solicitation.&nbsp;Mullen received additional charges including conspiracy to commit aggravated escape and solicitation.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sheriff Soldan says the investigation is ongoing and more arrests are anticipated.

Sheriff uncovers plot for escape from Kansas jail 

KANSAS CITY– The owner of two jewelry stores in the Independence Center mall in Independence, Mo., pleaded guilty in federal court this month to evading federal reporting requirements for cash transactions, according to the United State's Attorney.

Junaid “Jay” Sahibzada, 37, of Lenexa, Kan., waived his right to an indictment and pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips to a federal information that charges him with one count of evading federal reporting requirements for businesses that conduct cash transactions above $10,000 by failing to file Form 8300.

Form 8300 provides valuable information to the Internal Revenue Service and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) in their efforts to combat money laundering.

Sahibzada co-owns Gold-N-Time, a kiosk shop, and Jawa Jewelers, a storefront, both located in the Independence Center mall.

By pleading guilty, Sahibzada admitted that he met with an undercover federal agent posing as a heroin dealer interested in laundering money by making cash purchases of jewelry from Gold-N-Time, transporting the jewelry to Chicago, Illinois, and then reselling it for cash. The undercover agent told Sahibzada he did not want any government forms filed for his purchases, which Sahibzada said would not be a problem because no one would know about cash purchases.

The undercover agent purchased two pieces of custom jewelry from Sahibzada for $21,100. Sahibzada did not subsequently file or instruct any employee to file a Form 8300 for the cash transaction.

Sahibzada later admitted to federal agents that he had never filed a Form 8300, despite having completed multiple jewelry cash transactions exceeding $10,000.

Under federal statutes, Sahibzada is subject to a sentence of up to five years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office. Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, Sahibzada must pay a money judgment of $21,100, which is the total amount involved in the undercover operation.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Constance and Tony Brown. It was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation.

KANSAS CITY– The owner of two jewelry stores in the Independence Center mall in Independence, Mo., pleaded guilty in federal court this month to evading federal reporting requirements for cash transactions, according to the United State's Attorney.Junaid “Jay” Sahibzada, 37, of Lenexa, Kan., waived his right to an indictment and pleaded guilty before U.S. Chief District Judge Beth Phillips to a federal information that charges him with one count of evading federal reporting requirements for businesses that conduct cash transactions above $10,000 by failing to file Form 8300.Form 8300 provides valuable information to the Internal Revenue Service and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) in their efforts to combat money laundering.Sahibzada co-owns Gold-N-Time, a kiosk shop, and Jawa Jewelers, a storefront, both located in the Independence Center mall.By pleading guilty, Sahibzada admitted that he met with an undercover federal agent posing as a heroin dealer interested in laundering money by making cash purchases of jewelry from Gold-N-Time, transporting the jewelry to Chicago, Illinois, and then reselling it for cash. The undercover agent told Sahibzada he did not want any government forms filed for his purchases, which Sahibzada said would not be a problem because no one would know about cash purchases.The undercover agent purchased two pieces of custom jewelry from Sahibzada for $21,100. Sahibzada did not subsequently file or instruct any employee to file a Form 8300 for the cash transaction.Sahibzada later admitted to federal agents that he had never filed a Form 8300, despite having completed multiple jewelry cash transactions exceeding $10,000.Under federal statutes, Sahibzada is subject to a sentence of up to five years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office. Under the terms of today’s plea agreement, Sahibzada must pay a money judgment of $21,100, which is the total amount involved in the undercover operation.This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Constance and Tony Brown. It was investigated by IRS-Criminal Investigation.

Kan. jewelry store owner admits evading cash reporting rule

LAWRENCE&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly joined University of Kansas Chancellor Doug Girod and Kansas Athletics today at the announcement of the latest plans for the Gateway District, which will feature renovations of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, a new conference center, and multi-use facilities.

Development of the conference center and mixed-use facilities is projected to support 670 temporary jobs while being constructed and 720 permanent jobs once complete. The upgrade of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium is projected to support 2,600 temporary jobs while underway and 240 permanent jobs once complete. Both projects will generate millions of dollars through sales and income taxes that will go toward making life better for Kansans.

This project was made possible in part due to a&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vdG9kYXkua3UuZWR1LzIwMjMvMDIvMTQva3UtYXdhcmRlZC01MC1taWxsaW9uLWNoYWxsZW5nZS1ncmFudC1jYW1wdXMtZ2F0ZXdheS1wcm9qZWN0IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDgxNS44MTE3NTU4MSJ9.UDeX4d-ZYhBCeNsQOFwXGw8YjMdmxCl9ObtBcI3AnhQ/s/1303160919/br/224285283096-l" target="_blank">$50 million grant awarded</a>&nbsp;by the Kansas Department of Commerce earlier this year. The grant was part of the University Challenge Grant program that Governor Kelly proposed in her 2022 budget to incentivize universities to drive projects that grow the state’s economy, attract businesses, and build the workforce.

“In developing these University Economic Development Challenge grants, my aim was to leverage one of Kansas’ greatest resources – our university system – to spur new growth for decades to come. The KU Gateway District is a perfect example of that,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“The improvements announced today will not only help us attract and retain young people but will also make Kansas more attractive for businesses and generate millions of dollars that will make life better for Kansans across the state.”

The project will be completed in a multi-phased approach. The first phase will include renovations and expansion of the Anderson Family Football Complex training facility, as well as construction of new southwest, west, and north sides of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Construction on the first phase will begin at the conclusion of the 2023 football season and will be completed by the beginning of the 2025 season.

“The Gateway District is a once-in-a-generation project to transform our campus and drive economic development throughout the region,”&nbsp;Chancellor Girod said.&nbsp;“Specifically, this project will create exciting new amenities for students, employees and visitors while providing Kansas Football the facilities it needs to compete at the highest level."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692135758573.png" alt="This project at KU was made possible in part due to a&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vdG9kYXkua3UuZWR1LzIwMjMvMDIvMTQva3UtYXdhcmRlZC01MC1taWxsaW9uLWNoYWxsZW5nZS1ncmFudC1jYW1wdXMtZ2F0ZXdheS1wcm9qZWN0IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDgxNS44MTE3NTU4MSJ9.UDeX4d-ZYhBCeNsQOFwXGw8YjMdmxCl9ObtBcI3AnhQ/s/1303160919/br/224285283096-l" target="_blank">$50 million grant awarded</a>&nbsp;by the Kansas Department of Commerce earlier this year.-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>This project at KU was made possible in part due to a&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vdG9kYXkua3UuZWR1LzIwMjMvMDIvMTQva3UtYXdhcmRlZC01MC1taWxsaW9uLWNoYWxsZW5nZS1ncmFudC1jYW1wdXMtZ2F0ZXdheS1wcm9qZWN0IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDgxNS44MTE3NTU4MSJ9.UDeX4d-ZYhBCeNsQOFwXGw8YjMdmxCl9ObtBcI3AnhQ/s/1303160919/br/224285283096-l" target="_blank">$50 million grant awarded</a>&nbsp;by the Kansas Department of Commerce earlier this year.-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>LAWRENCE&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly joined University of Kansas Chancellor Doug Girod and Kansas Athletics today at the announcement of the latest plans for the Gateway District, which will feature renovations of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium, a new conference center, and multi-use facilities.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">To The Stars 💫 Introducing the KU Gateway District and a transformed David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. <a href="https://t.co/Sf5zdmuyda">pic.twitter.com/Sf5zdmuyda</a>&mdash; Kansas Jayhawks (@KUAthletics) <a href="https://twitter.com/KUAthletics/status/1691535941775577089?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 15, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Development of the conference center and mixed-use facilities is projected to support 670 temporary jobs while being constructed and 720 permanent jobs once complete. The upgrade of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium is projected to support 2,600 temporary jobs while underway and 240 permanent jobs once complete. Both projects will generate millions of dollars through sales and income taxes that will go toward making life better for Kansans.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692127080000.png" alt="Photo courtesy University of Kansas Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy University of Kansas Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>This project was made possible in part due to a&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vdG9kYXkua3UuZWR1LzIwMjMvMDIvMTQva3UtYXdhcmRlZC01MC1taWxsaW9uLWNoYWxsZW5nZS1ncmFudC1jYW1wdXMtZ2F0ZXdheS1wcm9qZWN0IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDgxNS44MTE3NTU4MSJ9.UDeX4d-ZYhBCeNsQOFwXGw8YjMdmxCl9ObtBcI3AnhQ/s/1303160919/br/224285283096-l" target="_blank">$50 million grant awarded</a>&nbsp;by the Kansas Department of Commerce earlier this year. The grant was part of the University Challenge Grant program that Governor Kelly proposed in her 2022 budget to incentivize universities to drive projects that grow the state’s economy, attract businesses, and build the workforce.“In developing these University Economic Development Challenge grants, my aim was to leverage one of Kansas’ greatest resources – our university system – to spur new growth for decades to come. The KU Gateway District is a perfect example of that,”&nbsp;Governor Kelly said.&nbsp;“The improvements announced today will not only help us attract and retain young people but will also make Kansas more attractive for businesses and generate millions of dollars that will make life better for Kansans across the state.”The project will be completed in a multi-phased approach. The first phase will include renovations and expansion of the Anderson Family Football Complex training facility, as well as construction of new southwest, west, and north sides of David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Construction on the first phase will begin at the conclusion of the 2023 football season and will be completed by the beginning of the 2025 season.“The Gateway District is a once-in-a-generation project to transform our campus and drive economic development throughout the region,”&nbsp;Chancellor Girod said.&nbsp;“Specifically, this project will create exciting new amenities for students, employees and visitors while providing Kansas Football the facilities it needs to compete at the highest level."

🎥KU Gateway District supported by Kelly admin. economic development efforts

By JASON HANCOCK <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a>

The audit is not a routine, scheduled review. It was initiated by Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick and began Aug. 2 with a meeting with officials at the Department of Health and Senior Services

Missouri Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick has begun an investigation into the state’s marijuana program, vowing to assess whether regulators are operating “in a manner that is efficient, accountable and transparent.”

The audit is not a routine, scheduled review. It was initiated by Fitzpatrick after he<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/16/missouri-auditor-candidates-spar-over-independence-from-partisan-influence/">&nbsp;pledged last year during his campaign to look into how Missouri oversees legalized cannabis.</a>

It will cover both the medical and recreational programs, spanning back to when Missouri voters first signed off on medical cannabis in 2018. Auditors working for Fitzpatrick met with officials at the Department of Health and Senior Services for the first time on Aug. 2.&nbsp;

There was no formal announcement that the inquiry was being conducted, but the marijuana program was listed on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://auditor.mo.gov/AuditReport/AuditsInProgress">Fitzpatrick’s official website on a list of ongoing audits</a>.&nbsp;

Fitzpatrick, a first-term Republican from Shell Knob, said in an email to The Independent that the audit was inspired by the fact that cannabis is poised to be&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/05/05/missouri-marijuana-sales-top-350-million-during-first-three-months-of-legalization/">a $1 billion industry in Missouri&nbsp;</a>and the amendments that legalized it “represent some of the most substantial changes we’ve seen to our state constitution in recent memory.”

“These provisions now make up more than one-fifth of the language in our state constitution,” Fitzpatrick said.

He added: “The rules and regulations promulgated for these programs govern hundreds of marijuana facilities all across Missouri that cultivate and sell cannabis products to hundreds of thousands of Missourians each year.”

Lisa Cox, a spokeswoman for DHSS, said the agency has been&nbsp;notified that it will be working with the state Auditor’s office as part of an audit of the marijuana program within the Division of Cannabis Regulation.

The auditor’s office will be just the latest to attempt to delve into the inner workings&nbsp;of&nbsp;a program that has drawn scrutiny from state lawmakers and federal law enforcement.&nbsp;

Medical marijuana instantly became big business in Missouri after voters passed a constitutional amendment allowing it in 2018. Competition for licenses to grow, sell and manufacture cannabis products became fierce when the state capped the number it would issue.

The Missouri House launched an investigation into the licensing process in early 2020, fueled by widespread reports of irregularities in how license applications were scored and allegations that conflicts of interest within DHSS and a private company hired to score applications may have tainted the process.

Legislators also criticized DHSS’s decision to deem license ownership records confidential, a move they argued caused problems in providing oversight of the marijuana program.

Last year, the House voted overwhelmingly to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/05/10/missouri-house-votes-to-require-disclosure-of-medical-marijuana-ownership-records/">require state regulators to disclose ownership information for businesses granted marijuana licenses</a>. But opposition from the industry sunk the plan in the Missouri Senate.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Missouri marijuana regulators received three federal grand jury subpoenas in 2019 and 2020, with each redacted before being turned over to the media at the request of the federal government to obfuscate the records being sought.

At the same time, the FBI interviewed&nbsp; lawmakers, local officials and advocates about marijuana licensing. A Kansas City-area businessman testified in a deposition that he was questioned by federal law enforcement in 2021 about&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/01/18/marijuana-utility-contracts-records-shows-continued-fbi-interest-in-independence-deals/">marijuana licensing in Missouri and utility contracts in Independence</a>.

Several legislators were also interviewed by the FBI last year, including now-House Speaker Dean Plocher. The focus of the questions was&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/08/25/missouri-dems-expect-boost-from-marijuana-campaign-but-split-on-whether-its-good-policy/">lobbying efforts related to a bill that would have legalized recreational cannabis use without license caps</a>.&nbsp;

The bill fizzled in the legislative session’s final weeks, and voters would go on to approve a recreational marijuana constitutional amendment months later.&nbsp;

While running for auditor last year, Fitzpatrick expressed opposition to the recreational marijuana amendment. He said at the time that his concern wasn’t legalization, but rather the fact that the initiative petition added so much regulation to the state constitution instead of state statute.&nbsp;

He also complained about the idea of the amendment bolstering a “government-mandated monopoly,” referring to provisions that automatically grant licenses to grow and sell recreational marijuana to businesses already serving the medical market.

State Rep. Peter Merideth, a St. Louis Democrat and frequent critic of Missouri’s marijuana regulators, praised the auditor for launching the inquiry, saying he believes the marijuana industry “could use more transparency, especially with respect to the licensing.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/9/1662126099012.jpg" alt="Medical marijuana instantly became big business in Missouri after voters passed a constitutional amendment allowing it in 2018. Competition for licenses to grow,&nbsp; sell and manufacture cannabis products became fierce when the state capped the number it would issue" />
 <figcaption>Medical marijuana instantly became big business in Missouri after voters passed a constitutional amendment allowing it in 2018. Competition for licenses to grow,&nbsp; sell and manufacture cannabis products became fierce when the state capped the number it would issue</figcaption>
 </figure>By JASON HANCOCK <a href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/02/20/state-senator-throws-first-punches-of-2024-missouri-governors-campaign/">Missouri Independent</a><h2>The audit is not a routine, scheduled review. It was initiated by Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick and began Aug. 2 with a meeting with officials at the Department of Health and Senior Services</h2>Missouri Auditor Scott Fitzpatrick has begun an investigation into the state’s marijuana program, vowing to assess whether regulators are operating “in a manner that is efficient, accountable and transparent.”The audit is not a routine, scheduled review. It was initiated by Fitzpatrick after he<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/09/16/missouri-auditor-candidates-spar-over-independence-from-partisan-influence/">&nbsp;pledged last year during his campaign to look into how Missouri oversees legalized cannabis.</a>It will cover both the medical and recreational programs, spanning back to when Missouri voters first signed off on medical cannabis in 2018. Auditors working for Fitzpatrick met with officials at the Department of Health and Senior Services for the first time on Aug. 2.&nbsp;There was no formal announcement that the inquiry was being conducted, but the marijuana program was listed on&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://auditor.mo.gov/AuditReport/AuditsInProgress">Fitzpatrick’s official website on a list of ongoing audits</a>.&nbsp;Fitzpatrick, a first-term Republican from Shell Knob, said in an email to The Independent that the audit was inspired by the fact that cannabis is poised to be&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2023/05/05/missouri-marijuana-sales-top-350-million-during-first-three-months-of-legalization/">a $1 billion industry in Missouri&nbsp;</a>and the amendments that legalized it “represent some of the most substantial changes we’ve seen to our state constitution in recent memory.”“These provisions now make up more than one-fifth of the language in our state constitution,” Fitzpatrick said.He added: “The rules and regulations promulgated for these programs govern hundreds of marijuana facilities all across Missouri that cultivate and sell cannabis products to hundreds of thousands of Missourians each year.”Lisa Cox, a spokeswoman for DHSS, said the agency has been&nbsp;notified that it will be working with the state Auditor’s office as part of an audit of the marijuana program within the Division of Cannabis Regulation.The auditor’s office will be just the latest to attempt to delve into the inner workings&nbsp;of&nbsp;a program that has drawn scrutiny from state lawmakers and federal law enforcement.&nbsp;Medical marijuana instantly became big business in Missouri after voters passed a constitutional amendment allowing it in 2018. Competition for licenses to grow, sell and manufacture cannabis products became fierce when the state capped the number it would issue.The Missouri House launched an investigation into the licensing process in early 2020, fueled by widespread reports of irregularities in how license applications were scored and allegations that conflicts of interest within DHSS and a private company hired to score applications may have tainted the process.Legislators also criticized DHSS’s decision to deem license ownership records confidential, a move they argued caused problems in providing oversight of the marijuana program.Last year, the House voted overwhelmingly to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/05/10/missouri-house-votes-to-require-disclosure-of-medical-marijuana-ownership-records/">require state regulators to disclose ownership information for businesses granted marijuana licenses</a>. But opposition from the industry sunk the plan in the Missouri Senate.&nbsp;Meanwhile, Missouri marijuana regulators received three federal grand jury subpoenas in 2019 and 2020, with each redacted before being turned over to the media at the request of the federal government to obfuscate the records being sought.At the same time, the FBI interviewed&nbsp; lawmakers, local officials and advocates about marijuana licensing. A Kansas City-area businessman testified in a deposition that he was questioned by federal law enforcement in 2021 about&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/01/18/marijuana-utility-contracts-records-shows-continued-fbi-interest-in-independence-deals/">marijuana licensing in Missouri and utility contracts in Independence</a>.Several legislators were also interviewed by the FBI last year, including now-House Speaker Dean Plocher. The focus of the questions was&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://missouriindependent.com/2022/08/25/missouri-dems-expect-boost-from-marijuana-campaign-but-split-on-whether-its-good-policy/">lobbying efforts related to a bill that would have legalized recreational cannabis use without license caps</a>.&nbsp;The bill fizzled in the legislative session’s final weeks, and voters would go on to approve a recreational marijuana constitutional amendment months later.&nbsp;While running for auditor last year, Fitzpatrick expressed opposition to the recreational marijuana amendment. He said at the time that his concern wasn’t legalization, but rather the fact that the initiative petition added so much regulation to the state constitution instead of state statute.&nbsp;He also complained about the idea of the amendment bolstering a “government-mandated monopoly,” referring to provisions that automatically grant licenses to grow and sell recreational marijuana to businesses already serving the medical market.State Rep. Peter Merideth, a St. Louis Democrat and frequent critic of Missouri’s marijuana regulators, praised the auditor for launching the inquiry, saying he believes the marijuana industry “could use more transparency, especially with respect to the licensing.”

State auditor launches inquiry into Missouri marijuana program

LAHAINA, Hawaii (AP) — Hawaii officials worked painstakingly to identify the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/live-updates-maui-fire-hawaii-wildfire-162a9fcdefe648d6bcd6557af70d894f">99 people confirmed killed</a>&nbsp;in wildfires that ravaged Maui and expected to release the first names Tuesday, even as teams intensified the search for more dead in neighborhoods reduced to ash.

A week after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lahaina-maui-hawaii-wildfires-deaths-survivors-8a8bf7e4257c1cedaa161e4002b3e7fd">blaze tore through historic Lahaina</a>, many who survived have started moving into hundreds of hotel rooms set aside for displaced locals while&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maui-wildfires-donation-explainer-c06fb5fba22f3878875a26ff6f15564a">donations</a>&nbsp;of food, ice, water and other essentials have poured in.

Crews using cadaver dogs have scoured about 25% of the search area, the police chief said Monday. Gov. Josh Green asked for patience and space to search properly as authorities became overwhelmed with requests to visit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ec6e573ffb19e9fed9a8123878a09a5e">the burn area</a>.

“For those people who have walked into Lahaina because they really wanted to see, know that they’re very likely walking on iwi,” he said at a news conference on Maui, using the Hawaiian word for “bones.”

Just three bodies have been identified so far and officials will start releasing names on Tuesday, according to Maui Police Chief John Pelletier, who renewed an appeal for families&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hawaii-wildfire-victims-maui-lahaina-67cbaaed21545c1af0f6ee7c582322e3">with missing relatives</a>&nbsp;to provide DNA samples.

Green warned that scores more bodies could be found. The wildfires, some of which have not yet been fully contained, are already the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maui-deadliest-fires-us-history-507273968474a03bec332f42d10a018b">deadliest in the U.S.</a>&nbsp;in more than a century. Their cause was under investigation.

When asked Tuesday morning by Hawaii News Now if children are among the missing, Green said, “tragically, yes ... When the bodies are smaller, we know it's a child.”

He added that some of the sites being searched “are too much to share or see from just a human perspective.”

Another complicating factor, Green said, is that stormy weather is forecast for the weekend, prompting discussions on how to handle high winds. Officials are mulling whether to “preemptively power down or not for a short period of time, because right now all of the infrastructure is weaker.”

The local power utility&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hawaii-wildfires-maui-electricity-power-utilities-c46a106db3c5019ac835ddcb01fde25f">has already faced criticism</a>&nbsp;for not shutting off power as strong winds buffeted a parched area under high risk for fire. It’s not clear whether the utility’s equipment played any role in igniting the flames.

Hawaiian Electric Co. Inc. President and CEO Shelee Kimura said many factors go into a decision to cut power, including the impact on people who rely on specialized medical equipment and concerns that shutting off power in the fire area would have knocked out water pumps.

Green has said the flames on Maui raced as fast as a mile (1.6 kilometers) every minute in one area, fueled by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hawaii-wildfires-climate-change-92c0930be7c28ec9ac71392a83c87582">dry grass</a>&nbsp;and propelled by strong winds from a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hawaii-wildfire-maui-dora-winds-ec23c16abfbeb6ba689f1a98263720db">passing hurricane</a>.

And he was conflicted about the anticipated storm.

“I want the rain, ironically, but that’s why we’re racing right now to do all the recovery that we can, because winds or heavy rain in that disaster setting, which it’s showing right now, it will make it even harder to get the final determination of who we lost,” Green said.

Authorities have paused a system that had allowed Lahaina residents and others to visit devastated areas with police permits. Kevin Eliason said when he was turned away, the line of cars waiting to get a permit was at least 3 miles (5 kilometers) long.

“It’s a joke,” Eliason said. “It’s just crazy. They didn’t expect, probably, tens of thousands of people to show up there.”

The blaze that swept into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfire-hawaii-lahaina-historic-kindom-capital-396463f6eba6580bfc80d75538b0adf3">centuries-old Lahaina</a>&nbsp;last week destroyed nearly every building in the town of 13,000. That fire has been 85% contained, according to the county. Another blaze known as the Upcountry fire has been 65% contained.

Even where the fire has retreated, authorities have warned that toxic byproducts may remain, including in drinking water, after the flames&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hawaii-wildfires-toxic-fumes-recovery-2a2e25c013c9fce39041718848028c3b">spewed poisonous fumes</a>. That has left many unable to return home.

The Red Cross said 575 evacuees were spread across five shelters on Monday, including the War Memorial Gymnasium in Wailuku. Green said thousands of people will need housing for at least 36 weeks. He said Tuesday that some 450 hotel rooms and 1,000 Airbnb rentals were becoming available.

“We want to get everyone out of all of the shelters by week's end,” he told Hawaii News Now.

President Joe Biden said Tuesday he and first lady Jill Biden will visit Hawaii “as soon as we can” to survey the damage. He said he doesn’t want his presence to interrupt recovery and cleanup efforts. During a stop in Milwaukee to highlight his economic agenda, Biden pledged that “every asset, every asset they need will be there for them.”

More than 3,000 people have registered for federal assistance, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and that number was expected to grow.

FEMA was providing $700 to displaced residents to cover the cost of food, water, first aid and medical supplies, in addition to qualifying coverage for the loss of homes and personal property.

The Biden administration was seeking $12 billion more for the government’s disaster relief fund as part of its supplemental funding request to Congress.

Green said “leaders all across the board” have helped by donating over a million pounds (454,000 kilograms) of food as well as ice, water, diapers and baby formula. U.S. Marines, the Hawaii National Guard, the Army Corps of Engineers and the Coast Guard have all joined the aid and recovery efforts.

“When people are hurting, the community steps up and takes care of each other," Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke said Monday.

As firefighters battled the flames last week, a flurry of court actions were lodged over water access.

Some state officials say there is not enough for firefighters in central Maui, and blame a recent ruling by an environmental judge. The ruling by Judge Jeffrey Crabtree did not directly affect water supplies to Lahaina, the attorney general's office said Monday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692131080149.png" alt="&nbsp;More than 190 search and rescue team members are working diligently across Maui to ensure the safety of all affected survivors.-photo FEMA" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;More than 190 search and rescue team members are working diligently across Maui to ensure the safety of all affected survivors.-photo FEMA</figcaption>
 </figure>LAHAINA, Hawaii (AP) — Hawaii officials worked painstakingly to identify the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/live-updates-maui-fire-hawaii-wildfire-162a9fcdefe648d6bcd6557af70d894f">99 people confirmed killed</a>&nbsp;in wildfires that ravaged Maui and expected to release the first names Tuesday, even as teams intensified the search for more dead in neighborhoods reduced to ash.A week after a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lahaina-maui-hawaii-wildfires-deaths-survivors-8a8bf7e4257c1cedaa161e4002b3e7fd">blaze tore through historic Lahaina</a>, many who survived have started moving into hundreds of hotel rooms set aside for displaced locals while&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maui-wildfires-donation-explainer-c06fb5fba22f3878875a26ff6f15564a">donations</a>&nbsp;of food, ice, water and other essentials have poured in.Crews using cadaver dogs have scoured about 25% of the search area, the police chief said Monday. Gov. Josh Green asked for patience and space to search properly as authorities became overwhelmed with requests to visit&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/ec6e573ffb19e9fed9a8123878a09a5e">the burn area</a>.“For those people who have walked into Lahaina because they really wanted to see, know that they’re very likely walking on iwi,” he said at a news conference on Maui, using the Hawaiian word for “bones.”Just three bodies have been identified so far and officials will start releasing names on Tuesday, according to Maui Police Chief John Pelletier, who renewed an appeal for families&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hawaii-wildfire-victims-maui-lahaina-67cbaaed21545c1af0f6ee7c582322e3">with missing relatives</a>&nbsp;to provide DNA samples.Green warned that scores more bodies could be found. The wildfires, some of which have not yet been fully contained, are already the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/maui-deadliest-fires-us-history-507273968474a03bec332f42d10a018b">deadliest in the U.S.</a>&nbsp;in more than a century. Their cause was under investigation.When asked Tuesday morning by Hawaii News Now if children are among the missing, Green said, “tragically, yes ... When the bodies are smaller, we know it's a child.”He added that some of the sites being searched “are too much to share or see from just a human perspective.”Another complicating factor, Green said, is that stormy weather is forecast for the weekend, prompting discussions on how to handle high winds. Officials are mulling whether to “preemptively power down or not for a short period of time, because right now all of the infrastructure is weaker.”The local power utility&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hawaii-wildfires-maui-electricity-power-utilities-c46a106db3c5019ac835ddcb01fde25f">has already faced criticism</a>&nbsp;for not shutting off power as strong winds buffeted a parched area under high risk for fire. It’s not clear whether the utility’s equipment played any role in igniting the flames.Hawaiian Electric Co. Inc. President and CEO Shelee Kimura said many factors go into a decision to cut power, including the impact on people who rely on specialized medical equipment and concerns that shutting off power in the fire area would have knocked out water pumps.Green has said the flames on Maui raced as fast as a mile (1.6 kilometers) every minute in one area, fueled by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hawaii-wildfires-climate-change-92c0930be7c28ec9ac71392a83c87582">dry grass</a>&nbsp;and propelled by strong winds from a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hawaii-wildfire-maui-dora-winds-ec23c16abfbeb6ba689f1a98263720db">passing hurricane</a>.And he was conflicted about the anticipated storm.“I want the rain, ironically, but that’s why we’re racing right now to do all the recovery that we can, because winds or heavy rain in that disaster setting, which it’s showing right now, it will make it even harder to get the final determination of who we lost,” Green said.Authorities have paused a system that had allowed Lahaina residents and others to visit devastated areas with police permits. Kevin Eliason said when he was turned away, the line of cars waiting to get a permit was at least 3 miles (5 kilometers) long.“It’s a joke,” Eliason said. “It’s just crazy. They didn’t expect, probably, tens of thousands of people to show up there.”The blaze that swept into&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/wildfire-hawaii-lahaina-historic-kindom-capital-396463f6eba6580bfc80d75538b0adf3">centuries-old Lahaina</a>&nbsp;last week destroyed nearly every building in the town of 13,000. That fire has been 85% contained, according to the county. Another blaze known as the Upcountry fire has been 65% contained.Even where the fire has retreated, authorities have warned that toxic byproducts may remain, including in drinking water, after the flames&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/hawaii-wildfires-toxic-fumes-recovery-2a2e25c013c9fce39041718848028c3b">spewed poisonous fumes</a>. That has left many unable to return home.The Red Cross said 575 evacuees were spread across five shelters on Monday, including the War Memorial Gymnasium in Wailuku. Green said thousands of people will need housing for at least 36 weeks. He said Tuesday that some 450 hotel rooms and 1,000 Airbnb rentals were becoming available.“We want to get everyone out of all of the shelters by week's end,” he told Hawaii News Now.President Joe Biden said Tuesday he and first lady Jill Biden will visit Hawaii “as soon as we can” to survey the damage. He said he doesn’t want his presence to interrupt recovery and cleanup efforts. During a stop in Milwaukee to highlight his economic agenda, Biden pledged that “every asset, every asset they need will be there for them.”More than 3,000 people have registered for federal assistance, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and that number was expected to grow.FEMA was providing $700 to displaced residents to cover the cost of food, water, first aid and medical supplies, in addition to qualifying coverage for the loss of homes and personal property.The Biden administration was seeking $12 billion more for the government’s disaster relief fund as part of its supplemental funding request to Congress.Green said “leaders all across the board” have helped by donating over a million pounds (454,000 kilograms) of food as well as ice, water, diapers and baby formula. U.S. Marines, the Hawaii National Guard, the Army Corps of Engineers and the Coast Guard have all joined the aid and recovery efforts.“When people are hurting, the community steps up and takes care of each other," Lt. Gov. Sylvia Luke said Monday.As firefighters battled the flames last week, a flurry of court actions were lodged over water access.Some state officials say there is not enough for firefighters in central Maui, and blame a recent ruling by an environmental judge. The ruling by Judge Jeffrey Crabtree did not directly affect water supplies to Lahaina, the attorney general's office said Monday.

Governor: Children among those lost to fires on Maui

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — HP has failed to shunt aside class-action legal claims that it disables the scanners on its multifunction printers when their ink runs low. Though not for lack of trying.

On Aug. 10, a federal judge ruled that HP Inc. must face a class-action lawsuit claiming that the company designs its “all-in-one” inkjet printers to disable scanning and faxing functions whenever a single printer ink cartridge runs low. The company had sought — for the second time — to dismiss the lawsuit on technical legal grounds.

“It is well-documented that ink is not required in order to scan or to fax a document, and it is certainly possible to manufacture an all-in-one printer that scans or faxes when the device is out of ink,” the plaintiffs&nbsp;<a href="https://ecf.cand.uscourts.gov/doc1/035122824894">wrote in their complaint</a>. “Indeed, HP designs its all-in-one printer products so they will not work without ink. Yet HP does not disclose this fact to consumers.”

The lawsuit charges that HP deliberately withholds this information from consumers to boost profits from the sale of expensive ink cartridges.

Color printers require four ink cartridges -- one black and a set of three cartridges in cyan, magenta and yellow for producing colors. Some will also refuse to print if one of the color cartridges is low, even in black-and-white mode.

HP declined to comment on the issue, citing the pending litigation. The company’s court filings in the case have generally not addressed the substance of the plaintiff’s allegations.

In early 2022, U.S. District Judge Beth Labson Freeman&nbsp;<a href="https://ecf.cand.uscourts.gov/doc1/035122742272">dismissed the complaint</a>&nbsp;on legal grounds but did not address the lawsuit's claims. The judge allowed the plaintiffs to amend their claim and resubmit it. On Aug. 10, the judge largely rejected HP's request to dismiss the revised complaint, allowing the case to proceed.

All-in-one inkjet printers generally seem like a bargain compared to the cost of separate devices with scanning, copying and fax functions. For instance, HP currently sells its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/pdp/hp-officejet-pro-8034e-all-in-one-printer">all-in-one OfficeJet Pro 8034e</a>&nbsp;online for just $159. But its least expensive standalone scanner, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/pdp/hp-scanjet-pro-2000-s2-sheet-feed-scanner">ScanJet Pro s2</a>, lists for $369 — more than twice the cost of the multifunction printer.

Of course, only one of these devices requires printer ink. “Printer ink is wildly expensive,” Consumer Reports states in its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumerreports.org/electronics-computers/printers/buying-guide/">current printer buying guide</a>, noting that consumer ink costs can easily run more than $70 a year.

Worse, a significant amount of ink is never actually used to print documents because it's consumed by printer maintenance cycles. In 2018, Consumer Reports tested hundreds of all-in-one inkjet printers and found that, when used intermittently, many models delivered&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumerreports.org/printers/the-high-cost-of-wasted-printer-ink/">less than half of their ink to printed documents</a>. A few managed no more than 20% to 30%.

HP isn't alone in facing such legal complaints. A different set of plaintiffs sued the U.S. unit of printer and camera maker Canon Inc. in 2021 for similarly handicapping its all-in-one printers without disclosure. The parties&nbsp;<a href="https://ecf.nyed.uscourts.gov/doc1/123119481077">settled that case</a>&nbsp;in late 2022. Terms were not disclosed.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692124742204.png" alt="The lawsuit charges that HP deliberately withholds this information from consumers to boost profits from the sale of expensive ink cartridges.-Courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>The lawsuit charges that HP deliberately withholds this information from consumers to boost profits from the sale of expensive ink cartridges.-Courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — HP has failed to shunt aside class-action legal claims that it disables the scanners on its multifunction printers when their ink runs low. Though not for lack of trying.On Aug. 10, a federal judge ruled that HP Inc. must face a class-action lawsuit claiming that the company designs its “all-in-one” inkjet printers to disable scanning and faxing functions whenever a single printer ink cartridge runs low. The company had sought — for the second time — to dismiss the lawsuit on technical legal grounds.“It is well-documented that ink is not required in order to scan or to fax a document, and it is certainly possible to manufacture an all-in-one printer that scans or faxes when the device is out of ink,” the plaintiffs&nbsp;<a href="https://ecf.cand.uscourts.gov/doc1/035122824894">wrote in their complaint</a>. “Indeed, HP designs its all-in-one printer products so they will not work without ink. Yet HP does not disclose this fact to consumers.”The lawsuit charges that HP deliberately withholds this information from consumers to boost profits from the sale of expensive ink cartridges.Color printers require four ink cartridges -- one black and a set of three cartridges in cyan, magenta and yellow for producing colors. Some will also refuse to print if one of the color cartridges is low, even in black-and-white mode.HP declined to comment on the issue, citing the pending litigation. The company’s court filings in the case have generally not addressed the substance of the plaintiff’s allegations.In early 2022, U.S. District Judge Beth Labson Freeman&nbsp;<a href="https://ecf.cand.uscourts.gov/doc1/035122742272">dismissed the complaint</a>&nbsp;on legal grounds but did not address the lawsuit's claims. The judge allowed the plaintiffs to amend their claim and resubmit it. On Aug. 10, the judge largely rejected HP's request to dismiss the revised complaint, allowing the case to proceed.All-in-one inkjet printers generally seem like a bargain compared to the cost of separate devices with scanning, copying and fax functions. For instance, HP currently sells its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/pdp/hp-officejet-pro-8034e-all-in-one-printer">all-in-one OfficeJet Pro 8034e</a>&nbsp;online for just $159. But its least expensive standalone scanner, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hp.com/us-en/shop/pdp/hp-scanjet-pro-2000-s2-sheet-feed-scanner">ScanJet Pro s2</a>, lists for $369 — more than twice the cost of the multifunction printer.Of course, only one of these devices requires printer ink. “Printer ink is wildly expensive,” Consumer Reports states in its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumerreports.org/electronics-computers/printers/buying-guide/">current printer buying guide</a>, noting that consumer ink costs can easily run more than $70 a year.Worse, a significant amount of ink is never actually used to print documents because it's consumed by printer maintenance cycles. In 2018, Consumer Reports tested hundreds of all-in-one inkjet printers and found that, when used intermittently, many models delivered&nbsp;<a href="https://www.consumerreports.org/printers/the-high-cost-of-wasted-printer-ink/">less than half of their ink to printed documents</a>. A few managed no more than 20% to 30%.HP isn't alone in facing such legal complaints. A different set of plaintiffs sued the U.S. unit of printer and camera maker Canon Inc. in 2021 for similarly handicapping its all-in-one printers without disclosure. The parties&nbsp;<a href="https://ecf.nyed.uscourts.gov/doc1/123119481077">settled that case</a>&nbsp;in late 2022. Terms were not disclosed.

HP fails to derail claims it blocks scanners on multifunction printers when ink runs low

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — As children across the U.S. head back to classes and practices for fall sports, four more states are expecting their K-12 schools to keep transgender girls off their girls teams.

Kansas, North Dakota and Wyoming had new laws in place restricting transgender athletes before classes resumed, and a Missouri law takes effect at the end of this month,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-nonbinary-hormone-puberty-missouri-lawmakers-5a8922430ffab9e43cf9b7ce254bff9f">bringing the number of states with restrictions to 23</a>.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cooper-veto-north-carolina-transgender-lgbtq-743112742e4c96d3693a8d59cb317b2b">North Carolina</a>&nbsp;could enact a ban later this month, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-gender-care-ban-transgender-sports-52136dfab6b29cca547d7e97f0b7c715">Ohio could follow</a>&nbsp;in the fall. A few laws, including ones in Arizona and West Virginia, are on hold because of federal lawsuits.

This year's new restrictions are part of a larger wave of legislation across the U.S. against transgender rights. Republican legislators in some states have banned gender-affirming care for minors, restricted transgender people’s use of school and public restrooms, limited what public schools can teach about gender and sexuality and barred schools from requiring the use of a transgender student's preferred pronouns.

The sports laws have been imposed since 2020, and most are aimed at transgender girls. A majority cover less formal intramural contests organized within a single school’s student body as well as contests among different schools, and some restrict transgender boys as well. Almost all say other students and their parents can sue schools that don’t enforce the restrictions.

Lawmakers expect a child’s earliest birth certificate to determine which sports teams they can join. Principals and coaches are expected to be the enforcers.

“Those are uncomfortable conversations,” said Jeanne Woodbury, interim executive director of the LGBGT+ rights group Equality Arizona. “Everyone is going through that process.”

She added: “For trans kids, it’s never been a walk in the park, but now they have this law to contend with on top of everything else.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-college-football-united-states-gay-rights-5814b6365cf8f96b6be49e2d4b72616a">In Oklahoma</a>, where a law has been in place since 2022, athletes or their parents must file an annual affidavit “acknowledging the biological sex of the student at birth.”

Kansas and other states expect school officials to review a child’s earliest birth certificate if questions arise about an athlete’s eligibility.

Bill Faflick, executive director of the Kansas State High School Activities Association, said his state's law has been greeted by a “matter of fact” acceptance in rules seminars for administrators and coaches.

“It has not been met with any resistance and has not been met with any outpouring of support or opposition, one way or the other,” Faflick said.

Even before the laws against transgender girls on girls teams passed, some states largely blocked the practice by handling questions or concerns on a case-by-case level at the school or state athletic association level.

Supporters of the restrictions argue that they’re protecting fair competition and scholarship opportunities for young women that took decades to win. They say that well before puberty, boys have physical advantages over girls in speed, strength and lung capacity.

“It’s a puzzlement to me that more people aren’t feeling sympathy for the girls whose sports careers are ruined,” said Tom Horne, the elected Republican state school superintendent in Arizona, who is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arizona-transgender-school-sports-law-injunction-2017dce4143c07ad5ff83f3a43639c72">defending his state’s law</a>&nbsp;in federal court.

Doctors, parents, and LGBTQ+ rights advocates counter that boys' physical advantages come with a surge in testosterone during puberty — changes gender-affirming care blocks.

Critics also argue that transgender athletes are so few that schools and associations governing school sports can handle their individual cases without a state law.

For example, in Kansas, the State High School Activities Association recorded 11 transgender athletes during the 2022-23 school year, and three were trans girls. Before Florida’s law took effect in 2021, its High School Athletic Association had cleared 13 transgender students to play in the previous eight years.

Becky Pepper-Jackson appeared to be the only transgender girl seeking to play girls’ sports in West Virginia in 2021 when the then-11-year-old and her mother, Heather Jackson, sued the state over its law.

Because of their lawsuit, the West Virginia law is on hold, and Becky, now a 13-year-old entering eighth grade, threw the discus and the shot put in seven track meets this spring.

The state is trying to persuade a federal appeals court to let it enforce its law, and in a filing last month, it cited the longer distances Becky threw this year as a reason. The state said any time another girl finished behind Becky in either event — more than 180 times — the other athlete had been unfairly “displaced.”

Jackson said the state knows her daughter only “on paper,” and Becky improved by training relentlessly at home with her own equipment.

“As a parent, all we want for our children is for them to be successful and happy, period,” Jackson told The Associated Press. “That should be an opportunity for everybody, every time, everywhere in this country.”

Educators and LGBTQ+ rights advocates argue that transgender kids aren’t the only athletes likely to feel the effects of the laws. Some worry that parents will challenge the right to play of cisgendered girls who are taller or more muscular than their peers — or just a whole lot better.

One of athletes who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-boise-state-university-idaho-education-9d31bbc245bbe0c66a3c88d2cc6a43be">sued Idaho</a>&nbsp;over its 2020 law was a 17-year-old cisgendered girl, listed only as Jane Doe. The lawsuit said she had an “athletic build" and wanted to avoid ”invasive or uncomfortable” gender tests.

“It’s going to create this feeling in some people that, ‘I can go question someone’s gender, and it’s my right to do that,’” said G.A. Buie, executive director of United School Administrators of Kansas, an association representing public school leaders.

Parents, doctors and LGBTQ+ rights advocates say restrictions on transgender athletes are less about sports and more about trying to make transgender kids disappear from society.

“What lawmakers fail to understand is that transgender people, nonbinary people, intersex people, have always been here,” said Anne Lieberman, policy and programs director for Athlete Ally, a group that advocates for transgender athletes. "Unless it is known that a student is trans, it is very hard to keep somebody from playing sports.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692007652976.png" alt="&nbsp;A flag supporting LGBTQ+ rights decorates a desk on the Democratic side of the Kansas House of Representatives during a debate, March 28, 2023, at the Statehouse in Topeka, Kan. Children are heading back to classes and fall sports practices, and four more states are expecting their K-12 schools to keep transgender girls off their girls sports teams. Kansas, North Dakota and Wyoming had new laws restricting transgender athletes in place before classes resumed, and a Missouri law takes effect at the end of this month. (AP Photo/John Hanna, File)" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;A flag supporting LGBTQ+ rights decorates a desk on the Democratic side of the Kansas House of Representatives during a debate, March 28, 2023, at the Statehouse in Topeka, Kan. Children are heading back to classes and fall sports practices, and four more states are expecting their K-12 schools to keep transgender girls off their girls sports teams. Kansas, North Dakota and Wyoming had new laws restricting transgender athletes in place before classes resumed, and a Missouri law takes effect at the end of this month. (AP Photo/John Hanna, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN HANNA&nbsp;TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — As children across the U.S. head back to classes and practices for fall sports, four more states are expecting their K-12 schools to keep transgender girls off their girls teams.Kansas, North Dakota and Wyoming had new laws in place restricting transgender athletes before classes resumed, and a Missouri law takes effect at the end of this month,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-nonbinary-hormone-puberty-missouri-lawmakers-5a8922430ffab9e43cf9b7ce254bff9f">bringing the number of states with restrictions to 23</a>.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cooper-veto-north-carolina-transgender-lgbtq-743112742e4c96d3693a8d59cb317b2b">North Carolina</a>&nbsp;could enact a ban later this month, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/ohio-gender-care-ban-transgender-sports-52136dfab6b29cca547d7e97f0b7c715">Ohio could follow</a>&nbsp;in the fall. A few laws, including ones in Arizona and West Virginia, are on hold because of federal lawsuits.This year's new restrictions are part of a larger wave of legislation across the U.S. against transgender rights. Republican legislators in some states have banned gender-affirming care for minors, restricted transgender people’s use of school and public restrooms, limited what public schools can teach about gender and sexuality and barred schools from requiring the use of a transgender student's preferred pronouns.The sports laws have been imposed since 2020, and most are aimed at transgender girls. A majority cover less formal intramural contests organized within a single school’s student body as well as contests among different schools, and some restrict transgender boys as well. Almost all say other students and their parents can sue schools that don’t enforce the restrictions.Lawmakers expect a child’s earliest birth certificate to determine which sports teams they can join. Principals and coaches are expected to be the enforcers.“Those are uncomfortable conversations,” said Jeanne Woodbury, interim executive director of the LGBGT+ rights group Equality Arizona. “Everyone is going through that process.”She added: “For trans kids, it’s never been a walk in the park, but now they have this law to contend with on top of everything else.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-college-football-united-states-gay-rights-5814b6365cf8f96b6be49e2d4b72616a">In Oklahoma</a>, where a law has been in place since 2022, athletes or their parents must file an annual affidavit “acknowledging the biological sex of the student at birth.”Kansas and other states expect school officials to review a child’s earliest birth certificate if questions arise about an athlete’s eligibility.Bill Faflick, executive director of the Kansas State High School Activities Association, said his state's law has been greeted by a “matter of fact” acceptance in rules seminars for administrators and coaches.“It has not been met with any resistance and has not been met with any outpouring of support or opposition, one way or the other,” Faflick said.Even before the laws against transgender girls on girls teams passed, some states largely blocked the practice by handling questions or concerns on a case-by-case level at the school or state athletic association level.Supporters of the restrictions argue that they’re protecting fair competition and scholarship opportunities for young women that took decades to win. They say that well before puberty, boys have physical advantages over girls in speed, strength and lung capacity.“It’s a puzzlement to me that more people aren’t feeling sympathy for the girls whose sports careers are ruined,” said Tom Horne, the elected Republican state school superintendent in Arizona, who is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arizona-transgender-school-sports-law-injunction-2017dce4143c07ad5ff83f3a43639c72">defending his state’s law</a>&nbsp;in federal court.Doctors, parents, and LGBTQ+ rights advocates counter that boys' physical advantages come with a surge in testosterone during puberty — changes gender-affirming care blocks.Critics also argue that transgender athletes are so few that schools and associations governing school sports can handle their individual cases without a state law.For example, in Kansas, the State High School Activities Association recorded 11 transgender athletes during the 2022-23 school year, and three were trans girls. Before Florida’s law took effect in 2021, its High School Athletic Association had cleared 13 transgender students to play in the previous eight years.Becky Pepper-Jackson appeared to be the only transgender girl seeking to play girls’ sports in West Virginia in 2021 when the then-11-year-old and her mother, Heather Jackson, sued the state over its law.Because of their lawsuit, the West Virginia law is on hold, and Becky, now a 13-year-old entering eighth grade, threw the discus and the shot put in seven track meets this spring.The state is trying to persuade a federal appeals court to let it enforce its law, and in a filing last month, it cited the longer distances Becky threw this year as a reason. The state said any time another girl finished behind Becky in either event — more than 180 times — the other athlete had been unfairly “displaced.”Jackson said the state knows her daughter only “on paper,” and Becky improved by training relentlessly at home with her own equipment.“As a parent, all we want for our children is for them to be successful and happy, period,” Jackson told The Associated Press. “That should be an opportunity for everybody, every time, everywhere in this country.”Educators and LGBTQ+ rights advocates argue that transgender kids aren’t the only athletes likely to feel the effects of the laws. Some worry that parents will challenge the right to play of cisgendered girls who are taller or more muscular than their peers — or just a whole lot better.One of athletes who&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-boise-state-university-idaho-education-9d31bbc245bbe0c66a3c88d2cc6a43be">sued Idaho</a>&nbsp;over its 2020 law was a 17-year-old cisgendered girl, listed only as Jane Doe. The lawsuit said she had an “athletic build" and wanted to avoid ”invasive or uncomfortable” gender tests.“It’s going to create this feeling in some people that, ‘I can go question someone’s gender, and it’s my right to do that,’” said G.A. Buie, executive director of United School Administrators of Kansas, an association representing public school leaders.Parents, doctors and LGBTQ+ rights advocates say restrictions on transgender athletes are less about sports and more about trying to make transgender kids disappear from society.“What lawmakers fail to understand is that transgender people, nonbinary people, intersex people, have always been here,” said Anne Lieberman, policy and programs director for Athlete Ally, a group that advocates for transgender athletes. "Unless it is known that a student is trans, it is very hard to keep somebody from playing sports.”___

As classes resume, states expect K-12 schools to enforce bans on trans athletes

SEDGWICK COUNTY— A driver accused of DUI in a fatal crash on July 20 in Sedgwick County has yet to make a court appearance, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office. The Kansas Highway Patrol had not scheduled an appointment with the district attorney's office.

The patrol reported a 2013 Dodge Journey driven by Caleb T. Faron, 18, Bel Aire,&nbsp; was northbound on Interstate 135 just north of 13th Street in the #3 lane moving to the #4 lane.

Faron failed to see a 2011 Hyundai Sonata driven by Uriel&nbsp;Orosco, 31, Wichita, slowing down in lane 4 with emergency hazard lights activated.

After impact, the Hyundai rotated counterclockwise and came to rest in the #4 lane against the KDOT bridge wall. The Dodge overturned and came to rest in the #3 lane.&nbsp;

Orosco was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to the Forensics Science Center. EMS transported a passenger in the Hyundia identified as Nallely Medrano Meraz, 28, Wichita, to Wesley Medical Center. 

Faron was not injured and later that night was booked into the Sedgwick County jail on a requested charge that included driving under the influence and marijuana possession, according to online jail records.&nbsp; He is no longer in custody.

 Orosco was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.&nbsp;&nbsp;There were also two children in the Hyundai; juvenile record is protected data.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689934377266.png" alt="First responders on the scene of the crash photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of the crash photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— A driver accused of DUI in a fatal crash on July 20 in Sedgwick County has yet to make a court appearance, according to the Sedgwick County District attorney's office. The Kansas Highway Patrol had not scheduled an appointment with the district attorney's office.The patrol reported a 2013 Dodge Journey driven by Caleb T. Faron, 18, Bel Aire,&nbsp; was northbound on Interstate 135 just north of 13th Street in the #3 lane moving to the #4 lane.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1690035440176.png" alt="Faron in the only photo available from Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Faron in the only photo available from Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>Faron failed to see a 2011 Hyundai Sonata driven by Uriel&nbsp;Orosco, 31, Wichita, slowing down in lane 4 with emergency hazard lights activated.The Dodge rear-ended the Hyundai.After impact, the Hyundai rotated counterclockwise and came to rest in the #4 lane against the KDOT bridge wall. The Dodge overturned and came to rest in the #3 lane.&nbsp;Orosco was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to the Forensics Science Center. EMS transported a passenger in the Hyundia identified as Nallely Medrano Meraz, 28, Wichita, to Wesley Medical Center. Faron was not injured and later that night was booked into the Sedgwick County jail on a requested charge that included driving under the influence and marijuana possession, according to online jail records.&nbsp; He is no longer in custody. Orosco was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.&nbsp;&nbsp;There were also two children in the Hyundai; juvenile record is protected data.

No formal charges yet for Kan. teen accused in fatal DUI crash

WASHINGTON —One month ago, the Department of Education and the White House announced that more than 800,000 federal student loan borrowers will have their remaining debt wiped out.

On Monday, President Biden said his administration is delivering on that promise and has already approved over $116 billion in debt cancellation for 3.4 million Americans – "no matter how many lawsuits, challenges, or roadblocks Republican elected officials or special interests put in our way."

In a statement from the White House, Biden said,&nbsp; Because of actions my Administration took, these 804,000 borrowers who have been in repayment for over 20 years will start to see their student debt cancelled.&nbsp; Over 614,000 of them will have all of their remaining federal student loan debt cancelled once this action is complete.

"Monday's actions come on top of all we’ve been able to achieve for students and student loan borrowers in the past few years."&nbsp;

 This includes: achieving the largest increases in Pell Grants in over a decade to help families who earn less than roughly $60,000 a year; fixing the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program so that borrowers who go into public service get the debt relief they’re entitled to under the law; and creating the most generous Income-Driven Repayment plan in history, called SAVE. &nbsp;

Borrowers can go to <a href="https://studentaid.gov/">studentaid.gov</a> to apply.

"As I announced earlier this summer in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision on our student debt relief plan, we will continue to pursue an alternative path to deliver student debt relief to as many borrowers as possible as quickly as possible. We will use every tool at our disposal to get student loan borrowers the relief they need to reach their dreams. "

WASHINGTON —One month ago, the Department of Education and the White House announced that more than 800,000 federal student loan borrowers will have their remaining debt wiped out.On Monday, President Biden said his administration is delivering on that promise and has already approved over $116 billion in debt cancellation for 3.4 million Americans – "no matter how many lawsuits, challenges, or roadblocks Republican elected officials or special interests put in our way."<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">For years, student loan borrowers haven&#39;t received forgiveness under their Income-Driven Repayment plans despite making payments for over 20 years. I&#39;m determined to fix it. Today, thanks to my Administration&#39;s actions, 804,000 borrowers will start to see their debt cancelled.&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1691226946816876544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In a statement from the White House, Biden said,&nbsp; Because of actions my Administration took, these 804,000 borrowers who have been in repayment for over 20 years will start to see their student debt cancelled.&nbsp; Over 614,000 of them will have all of their remaining federal student loan debt cancelled once this action is complete."Monday's actions come on top of all we’ve been able to achieve for students and student loan borrowers in the past few years."&nbsp; This includes: achieving the largest increases in Pell Grants in over a decade to help families who earn less than roughly $60,000 a year; fixing the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program so that borrowers who go into public service get the debt relief they’re entitled to under the law; and creating the most generous Income-Driven Repayment plan in history, called SAVE. &nbsp;Borrowers can go to <a href="https://studentaid.gov/">studentaid.gov</a> to apply."As I announced earlier this summer in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision on our student debt relief plan, we will continue to pursue an alternative path to deliver student debt relief to as many borrowers as possible as quickly as possible. We will use every tool at our disposal to get student loan borrowers the relief they need to reach their dreams. "